MC@Work: The New Guard

What does it take to earn a spot on our New Guard? Contacts, lots of them. But even that's only half the story. The women on this list are all masters at converting introductions into opportunities. In their respective fields and beyond, they are hugely influential for their valuable ability to connect—startups with financiers, writers with producers, candidates with voters. Got your own grand plans for world domination? Get to know the impressive women of The New Guard and make it happen.

The Pioneer: Angela Benton

The Pioneer: Angela Benton

FOUNDER & CEO, NEWME ACCELERATOR @abenton

Age: 32 Bona fides: One of the only players providing strategy and content for African-Americans in new media. Bragging rights: Her NewMe Accelerator, an incubator for minority-run start-ups, is backed by Google and venture cap giant Andreessen Horowitz.

The Veteran: Gina Bianchini

The Veteran: Gina Bianchini

FOUNDER & CEO, MIGHTYBELL @ginab

Age: 41 Claim to fame: Stanford alum founded Ning, an early social network, with Netscape's Marc Andreessen. Current gig: Runs Mightybell, a platform for creating communities of social networks. Power pal: Sheryl Sandberg, whose Lean In Circles operate on Mightybell.